Organized geographically by country and city, more than 100 of today's most important street artists (including Espo in New York, Shepard Fairey in Los Angeles, Os Gêmeos in Brazil, and Anthony Lister in Australia) are profiled alongside key examples of their work. The evolution of street art and graffiti within each region is also chronicled, providing essential historical context.

Curator Schacter offers a stunning survey of artists known for their nonsanctioned public work in this concisely written, yet comprehensive volume. Collaborating with street artists and curators, writers, and art historians, the author situates 113 artists in 50 cities, highlighting the importance of environment and global artistic exchange. Each profile speaks to a unique art practice: collage, name-based wall graffiti, monumental installations, subway and boxcar art, and digitally projected images, among others. To emphasize the tension between high and low art, as well as between mainstream and underground culture, the artists selected also vary in terms of their visibility and commercial success. Famed L.A. artist Shepard Fairey (creator of the Obama Hope image) receives as much analysis as the Montreal boxcar painter Jiem and New York underground "conceptual vandal" Katsu. In introductory chapters to each continent and city, Schacter also explores region-based themes, such as local folklore and art collectives. His expertly selected images yield an entertaining, visually varied reading experience. One highlight of the book is its commissioned nontraditional city maps created by 12 of the volume's profiled artists. This valuable and impressive tome, featuring a foreword by street and multimedia artist John Fekner, provides an informative, consistent, and well-illustrated narrative of a global art phenomenon. 750 color illus. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Summary

Painted murals first appeared in Latin America in the early 20th century; in the 1950s, spray-can graffiti associated with Latino gangs followed, notably the #147;cholo" graffiti of Los Angeles. Today, street art has traveled to nearly every corner of the globe, evolving into a highly complex and ornate art form. The World Atlas of Street Art and Graffiti is the definitive survey of international street art, focusing on the world's most influential urban artists and artworks. Since the lives and works of urban artists are inextricably linked to specific streets and places, this beautifully illustrated volume features specially commissioned #147;city artworks" that provide an intimate understanding of these metropolitan landscapes.nbsp; nbsp; Organized geographically by country and city, more than 100 of today's most important street artists#151;including Espo in New York, Shepard Fairey in Los Angeles, Os Gêmeos in Brazil, and Anthony Lister in Australia#151;are profiled alongside key examples of their work. The evolution of street art and graffiti within each region is also chronicled, providing essential historical context. With contributions by the foremost authorities on street art and graffiti, this landmark publication provides a nuanced understanding of a widespread contemporary art practice. The World Atlas of Street Art and Graffiti emphasizes urban art's powerful commitment to a spontaneous creativity that is inherently connected to the architecture of the metropolis.